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Post by erivers on Aug 25, 2020 14:09:16 GMT
It is an awfully sad loss, not just for those of us that knew him but for the waterways in general. His knowledge of waterways legislation was incredible but it was his generosity in sharing that knowledge in helping others, sometimes intimidated by authorities, to make sure their case could be made and their voices heard.
As well as receiving countless thoughtful, painstakingly researched and detailed answers to legal queries from him, I was priveleged to see Nigel in 'action' at both the Appeal Court and House of Lords Select Committees. Win or lose, (usually the former) he invariably won the respect of the opposing senior lawyers and always of their Lordships or judges with his calm and polite but authoritative manner.
In fact, one particular senior barrister involved with the Middle Level Bill at the House of Lords Select Committee became so scared of our Nigel's capabilities that he desperately sought to prevent his voice and his arguments being heard on the basis that he had no direct interest in the Middle Level. Their Lordships had to agree with the legal argument - and refused him permission - but so powerful was Nigel's case that they insisted they would instead themselves take his written submissions into account. This resulted in a much-improved and enhanced Middle Level Act 2018.
Right up until two weeks ago, Nigel was following the progress of the Middle Level licensing fiasco. The ML Commissioners are seeking to introduce 'licensing' and charges from 1st September, despite not yey having their byelaws which authorise registration of vessels approved as required by DEFRA. They are demanding almost the same 'pro-rata' rate as the EA Anglian region despite their bit of waterway being only a fraction (about 10%) of the EA Anglian waterways - and with few or no facilities. And the undertakings they made to their Lordships in particular with regard to appointments to the statutory Navigation Advisory Committee (also thanks in no small measure to Nigel's input) are still to be met.
Nigel, we will miss you terribly but the fight, where necessary, for fairness and justice on the waterways will continue in your name.
R.I.P.
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Post by patty on Aug 25, 2020 18:36:36 GMT
It is an awfully sad loss, not just for those of us that knew him but for the waterways in general. His knowledge of waterways legislation was incredible but it was his generosity in sharing that knowledge in helping others, sometimes intimidated by authorities, to make sure their case could be made and their voices heard. As well as receiving countless thoughtful, painstakingly researched and detailed answers to legal queries from him, I was priveleged to see Nigel in 'action' at both the Appeal Court and House of Lords Select Committees. Win or lose, (usually the former) he invariably won the respect of the opposing senior lawyers and always of their Lordships or judges with his calm and polite but authoritative manner. In fact, one particular senior barrister involved with the Middle Level Bill at the House of Lords Select Committee became so scared of our Nigel's capabilities that he desperately sought to prevent his voice and his arguments being heard on the basis that he had no direct interest in the Middle Level. Their Lordships had to agree with the legal argument - and refused him permission - but so powerful was Nigel's case that they insisted they would instead themselves take his written submissions into account. This resulted in a much-improved and enhanced Middle Level Act 2018. Right up until two weeks ago, Nigel was following the progress of the Middle Level licensing fiasco. The ML Commissioners are seeking to introduce 'licensing' and charges from 1st September, despite not yey having their byelaws which authorise registration of vessels approved as required by DEFRA. They are demanding almost the same 'pro-rata' rate as the EA Anglian region despite their bit of waterway being only a fraction (about 10%) of the EA Anglian waterways - and with few or no facilities. And the undertakings they made to their Lordships in particular with regard to appointments to the statutory Navigation Advisory Committee (also thanks in no small measure to Nigel's input) are still to be met. Nigel, we will miss you terribly but the fight, where necessary, for fairness and justice on the waterways will continue in your name. R.I.P. Thank you for posting the above...
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Post by Mr Stabby on Aug 25, 2020 18:49:02 GMT
Can only really echo what everyone else has said. Sleep tight mate.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 25, 2020 20:20:21 GMT
RIP Nigel
(just wish more 'activists' were like him)
PS. I think someone should also post the sad news on CWDF - Nigel always did.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 25, 2020 20:21:10 GMT
R.I.P Nigel.
I suggest that perhaps everybody donate a modest sum for some flowers. Is anybody sufficiently close to the bereaved to be aware of the funeral arrangements?
ETA I expect time is of the essence. I would guess that the funeral will be Friday or Saturday at the latest.
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Post by dyertribe on Aug 25, 2020 21:32:46 GMT
RIP Nigel
(just wish more 'activists' were like him)
PS. I think someone should also post the sad news on CWDF - Nigel always did.
Done
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Post by Telemachus on Aug 25, 2020 21:39:25 GMT
RIP Nigel
(just wish more 'activists' were like him)
PS. I think someone should also post the sad news on CWDF - Nigel always did.
Done Really? Not showing up for me. Edit - oh it is now, 17 mins later, which is odd.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 25, 2020 22:31:52 GMT
Really? Not showing up for me. Edit - oh it is now, 17 mins later, which is odd. Seems to have been moved by admin to the vp. Sad twats that they are.
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Post by thebfg on Aug 26, 2020 1:07:33 GMT
R.I.P Nigel. I suggest that perhaps everybody donate a modest sum for some flowers. Is anybody sufficiently close to the bereaved to be aware of the funeral arrangements? If the details are found I will donate towards flowers, its the least we can do.
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Post by JohnV on Aug 26, 2020 6:29:27 GMT
I heard of this yesterday afternoon in a phone call with Peterboat. Devastating news for the whole of the waterways. Our paths never crossed but he was one I wish I had met. I learned much from his erudite postings and always enjoyed their unfailingly polite style, (whatever his innermost thoughts must have been.) The canal network has lost a great champion and the world a good man. Thank you for all your endeavours Nigel May you have fair winds, calm waters and the locks never set against you.
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Post by dyertribe on Aug 26, 2020 7:09:43 GMT
Really? Not showing up for me. Edit - oh it is now, 17 mins later, which is odd. Seems to have been moved by admin to the vp. Sad twats that they are. I stupidly attached a link to this thread in my original post on CWDF and the post was removed, I reposted without the link.
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Post by Telemachus on Aug 26, 2020 7:38:26 GMT
Seems to have been moved by admin to the vp. Sad twats that they are. I stupidly attached a link to this thread in my original post on CWDF and the post was removed, I reposted without the link. How pathetic. They claim there is no issue with mentioning TB but clearly there is.
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Post by dyertribe on Aug 26, 2020 7:43:59 GMT
I stupidly attached a link to this thread in my original post on CWDF and the post was removed, I reposted without the link. How pathetic. They claim there is no issue with mentioning TB but clearly there is. I then posted an explanation, pointing out that there are some touching tributes here that others might be interested in reading, that too has disappeared into the ether. Shame that a great manβs death cannot bridge the divide.
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Post by patty on Aug 26, 2020 7:46:56 GMT
How pathetic. They claim there is no issue with mentioning TB but clearly there is. I then posted an explanation, pointing out that there are some touching tributes here that others might be interested in reading, that too has disappeared into the ether. Shame that a great manβs death cannot bridge the divide. There are no words really to describe these actions..but I guess we have to remember its perhaps just one administrator and not all the other posters over there.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 26, 2020 7:53:51 GMT
There is a good tribute from Matty40s over there, which is an example of why I thought the news should also be posted on CWDF. Hopefully the divide will at least be narrowed rather than widened.
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